Cramping Serena saved by the rain

LONDON, July 2 (Reuters) Serena Williams's Wimbledon hopes were hanging by a thread today after rain came to her rescue in the fourth round against Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova.

The American seventh seed had battled back to 5-5 from 5-2 down in the second set after taking the first 6-2 when she collapsed in agony clutching her left calf.

In tears and screaming with pain, the 2002 and 2003 champion received lengthy treatment at the baseline before gingerly getting back on her feet to roars of encouragement from the Centre Court crowd.

Hantuchova ruthlessly held serve to lead 6-5 with Williams barely able to move. Williams received more treatment from the trainer before, amazingly, holding serve despite hobbling.

Trying desperately to stretch her stricken muscle, Williams went 4-0 down in the tiebreak, then won a couple of points before rain intervened for the fourth time in the match.

REUTERS SAM RAI0048